Our Lady of the Snow

Dedication of the Basilica of St. Mary Major

“Our Lady of the Snow”

The famous Roman basilica of St. Mary Major was built under Pope Liberius in the fourth century. A popular Roman tradition tells that a miraculous snowfall occurred on this date, during the height of summer, to mark the spot where Our Lady desired the basilica to be constructed. On the same day she appeared to a wealthy Roman noble couple and inspired them to donate the land for the basilica. The Blessed Virgin continues to be venerated under the title “Our Lady of the Snow”, and every year on this feast day snow-white jasmine petals drift down from the ceiling of the basilica to commemorate the name. The basilica is also home to the Crib of Our Lord, brought thence from Bethlehem, and to the famous image of Our Lady as Salus Populi Romani, or the Salvation of the Roman People. Countless miracles have been worked through invoking Our Lady’s aid under this title and image. The only other churches whose dedications are celebrated by the entire Church are the Lateran Basilica, or the Archbasilica of the Most Holy Savior, on November 9th, and the Basilicas of St. Peter and St. Paul Outside the Walls, together on November 18th.

Traditional Roman Martyrology for August 5th

AT Rome, on Mount Esquiline, the dedication of the church of St. Mary of the Snows.

Also at Rome, during the persecution of Diocletian, the martyrdom of twenty-three holy martyrs, who were beheaded on the Salarian road, and buried at the foot of Cucumer hill.

At Augsburg, the birthday [into heaven] of St. Afra, martyr. After being converted from Paganism by the instructions of bishop St. Narcissus, and being baptized with all her household, she was delivered to the flames for the confession of Christ.

At Ascoli, in the Marches, St. Emygdius, bishop and martyr, who was consecrated bishop by pope St. Marcellus, and sent thither to preach the Gospel. He received the crown of martyrdom for the confession of Christ, under the emperor Diocletian.

At Antioch, St. Eusignius, a soldier, who at the age of one hundred and ten years, because he reproached Julian the Apostate for forsaking the faith of Constantine the Great, under whom he had served, and for having degenerated from his ancestors’ piety, was decapitated by his command.

Also, the holy martyrs Cantidius, Cantidian, and Sobel, Egyptians.

At Chalons, in France, St. Memmius, a Roman citizen, who, being consecrated bishop of that city by St. Peter, brought to the truth of the Gospel the people committed to his care.

At Autun, blessed Cassian, bishop.

At Teano, St. Paris, bishop.

In England, St. Oswald, king, whose life is related by Venerable Bede.

The same day, St. Nonna, mother of blessed Gregory Nazianzen.

℣. And elsewhere many other holy martyrs, confessors, and holy virgins.

℟. Thanks be to God.